Automatic loading cross-bow

ABSTRACT

An automatic loading cross-bow comprising a main frame having pivotally mounted bow pieces adjacent its front end with means for latching such bow pieces into extended position for firing and including an arrow clip containing a plurality of arrows adapted to be carried in the main frame. Spring device automatically feeding arrows one at a time into firing position in the main frame as the bow string is cocked including spaced jaws that are opened when the cross-bow is cocked to permit an arrow to be moved from the clip into firing position. A safety release trigger is adapted to be cocked by moving the bow string into firing position and to be fired only when the safety release and trigger are both actuated.

United States Patent 1191 Moore AUTOMATIC LOADING CROSS-BOW [76] Inventor: Ralph J. Moore, Route 2, Box 216-1 Houston, Tex. 77018 [22] Filed: Apr. 21, 1971 [21] App1.No.: 136,111

52 U.S. c1. 124/25, 124/35, 124/41,

124/53 511 1m.c1. ..F41b 5/00 [58] Field of Search 124/25, 26, 27, 37,

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Great Britain 124/52 1 June 19, 1973 Primary Examiner-Richard C. Pinkham Assistant ExaminerWilliam R. Browne Att0rneyPravel, Wilson & Matthews [57] ABSTRACT An automatic loading cross-bow comprising a main frame having pivotally mounted bow pieces adjacent its front end with means for latching such bow pieces into extended position for firing and including an arrow clip containing a plurality of arrows adapted to be carried in the main frame. Spring device automatically feeding arrows one at a time into firing position in the main frame as the bow string is cocked including spaced jaws that are opened when the cross-bow is cocked to permit an arrow to be moved from the clip into firing position. A safety release trigger is adapted to be cocked by moving the bow string into firing position and to be fired only when the safety release and trigger are both actuated.

2 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures Hum 1%,, 39 $3,765

Q Sheets-Sheet 4 M; ['1 I P Wu K I u g B04614 4/ Moore INVENTOR B Y 5. 11 PM?! MAW & MaMLewA ATTORNEYS Pahnmd June -6' Sheets-Sheet 5 INVEN TOR mam! Wihm MaHLewA Patented June 19, W7

.6 Sheets-Sheet 6 /'?040& J Moore INVENTOR pm"! Whom & MaHLewA flTTOR/VE YS AUTOMATIC LOADING CROSS-BOW BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a new and improved cross-bow construction and particularly to an automatic loading cross-bow having a clip for storing a plurality of arrows or projectiles for firing in such crossbow and means for automatically feeding each of such arrows individually into the body of the cross-bow for firing therefrom. The cross-bow of the present invention also includes a safety trigger release mechanism which will prevent arrows from being unintentionally or accidentally discharged from the cross-bow.

2. Description of the Prior Art The cross-bows of the prior art are generally large, cumbersome and difficult to store or carry about from place to place and are also difficult to string. Similarly, such prior art bows require manual loading of each individual arrow for firing, and further, the bow string release apparatus or trigger in many of the prior art bows, does not include a positive safety release apparatus which will prevent accidental or unintentional firing of the cross-bow when it is loaded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a new and improved collapsible cross-bow having pivotally mounted bow pieces which may be pivoted intoan extended position adjacent the front of a main frame to facilitate storage and transportation of the cross-bow with such pivot means having locking mechanism for locking the bow pieces in the extended position. The bow string is secured to the outer ends of the bow pieces so that the bow may be strung or unstrung by pivoting the bow pieces into the extended position or into the retracted position as the case may be. Such cross-bow includes an automatic arrow loading means to automatically load an arrow into the chamber or firing mechanism of the cross-bow each time the bow string is drawn and latched in the trigger mechanism. The present cross-bow includes arrow guiding tracks in the firing chamber for guiding the arrow as it is fired from the cross-bow.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved cross-bow apparatus including a clip containing a plurality of arrows and means to automatically inject individual arrows from the clip into the cross-bow aligned and positioned for firing with such automatic loader being actuated by the bow string when it is drawn back for firing.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved cross-bow having a trigger which is adapted to be cocked by drawing the bow string into firing position and also having a manual safety latch for locking the trigger against release until the manual safety is actuated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevation partly in section and partly in phantom showing the automatic cross-bow apparatus of the present invention with the arrow clip in position thereon;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the cross-bow as seen in FIG. 1, with the bow pieces shown in the extended position;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the cross-bow as seen in FIG. 2, except that the bow pieces are shown folded back in a retracted position on the sides of the main frame of the cross-bow;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 1 showing the bow string in a cocked position in phantom and the string in the forward position and an arrow being fired from the cross-bow;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 4 except that it shows an arrow in firing position in the cross-bow and the bow string being drawn across the trigger mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 4 showing the jaws of the arrow feeding mechanism closed;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken on line 7-7 of FIG. 5 showing the jaws of the arrow feeding mechanism open;

FIG. 8 is a view taken on line 8-8 of FIG. 3 showing the means for pivotally mounting the bow pieces on the main frame of the cross-bow;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken on line 9-9 of FIG. 6 showing details of construction of the arrow clip;

FIG. 10 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 10-10 of FIG. 9 showing additional details of the arrow clip;

FIG. 11 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 11-11 of FIG. 9 showing further details of the arrow clip and particularly the means for securing such clip to the main frame of the cross-bow;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 showing the means for connecting the arrow clip to the main frame of the cross-bow in a released position;

FIG. 13 is an isometric perspective view of the bow string release mechanism of the present invention including the trigger and the safety;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the bow string release apparatus;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation partly in section showing details of construction of the bow string release apparatus with the trigger in the cocked position;

FIG. 16 is a side elevation partly in section and partly in phantom showing the bow string apparatus with the trigger in the firing position;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation partly in section showing details of construction of the collapsible shoulder stock of the present invention in an extended position with the aiming sight elevated for use; and

FIG. 18 is a view taken on line 18-18 of FIG. 17 showing additional details of construction of the elevated sight of the cross-bow of the present invention.

7 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The cross-bow of the present invention is designated generally C in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings. Briefly,

such cross-bow comprises a main frame F having a pair of bow pieces B pivotally mounted on opposite sides of the main frame adjacent its front end and a shoulder piece or stock S pivotally mounted adjacent the rear end of such main frame F. A pistol grip P is also affixed to the rear of the main frame on its lower side adjacent a firing mechanism T, which is provided for holding the bow string E taut when .the bow is cocked and for releasing such bow string to discharge an arrow A when the cross-bow is fired. An arrow clip K containing a plurality of arrows is secured below the main frame F and. includes means for automatically feeding an arrow into the main frame for firing each time the bow string E is drawn back and latched in the firing mechanism T as will be described in detail hereinafter.

Considering now the apparatus of the present invention in more detail, the main frame member F preferably comprises a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending side rails 11 and 12 which are disposed generally parallel to each other and are connected together at the front end by forward transverse member 13 and at the rear by rear transverse member 14. A centrally disposed, longitudinally extending opening 15 is provided in the main frame F between the side rails 11 and 12 to permit arrows A to be moved upwardly from the arrow clip K into firing position in the firing chamber in such main frame member F as will be described in detail hereinafter.

As best seen in FIGS. 3 of the drawings, the central opening includes a longitudinally extending slot for receiving the shaft or body 16 of the arrows A with an enlarged or relieved portion 15a for accommodating the arrowhead 17 affixed at the forward end of the shaft 16, and a rear opening 15b to accommodate the feathers or rear stabilizers 18 affixed adjacent the rear end of the arrow shaft 16. With the relieved portions 15a and 15b in the centrally disposed opening or passage 15, it will be appreciated that the arrows A may be moved vertically upwardly from a storage position in the clip K into position in the main frame F for firing with the longitudinal axis of the arrows A being maintained substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main frame F.

A pair of longitudinally extending jaws or gate members 20 and 21 are slidably mounted on top of the side rails 11 and 12, respectively. Such slidable gate members 20 and 21 include forward relieved portions 20a and 21a, respectively, for receiving the arrowhead 17 and rear relieved portions 20b and 21b, respectively, for permitting the feathers 18 to pass therethrough without damage when the arrows A are moved from storage in the clip below the main frame into firing position above the jaws 20 and 21 as will be described.

Such sliding jaws 20 and 21 are provided with longitudinally spaced diagonal guides 20c and 210, respectively, which extend inwardly and forwardly relative to the central opening 15. Guide pins or lugs 20d and 21d extend through the guide slots 20c and 21c, respectively, and are affixed to the upper surface of the main frame F. Actuating pins 20c and 21e, respectively, project upwardly at the rear end of the sliding jaws 20 and 21, respectively, and, as shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings, are engaged by the bow string B when it is drawn back and latched in the firing mechanism T. As shown, when the bow string E is moved rearwardly as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 5, it engages the upstanding pins 20e and 21c and moves the sliding jaws 20 and 21 rearwardly and also outwardly due to the diagonally disposed 20c and 21c acting against the guide pins 20d and 21d, respectively, to thereby spread the jaws 20 and 21 laterally apart to allow the uppermost arrow A in the main frame F to be moved upwardly between such gates 20 and 21 into firing position atop the gates as will be described in detail hereinafter.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings, the gates 20 and 21, respectively, are provided with upwardly and outwardly inclined inner edges 20f and 21f, respectively, which extend axially of the arrow shaft 16 for supporting and aligning such shaft 16 in position for firing. Each of the gates 20 and 21 is provided with a spring 20g and 21g, respectively, which is preferably carried in recesses 20h and 21h, respectively. The forward end of the springs 20g and 21g are connected to pins 20j and 21j, respectively, mounted on the upper side of the main frame F and the rear end of such springs are connected in suitable openings 20k and 21k in the gates 20 and 21 adjacent the rear of the recesses 20h and 21h, respectively. Such springs 20g and 21g move the gates 20 and 21, respectively, from the open position shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 to the closed position shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 when the bow string E is allowed to move forward against the string latching member in the firing mechanism T as shown in FIG. 4.

An upper guide member 40 which also extends axially of the shaft 16, is provided for guiding the arrow shaft 16 along the inclined surfaces 20f and 21f on which it moves when fired. Such upper guide comprises an inverted U-shaped member having a base 41 and a pair of depending sides 42 and 43 extending along the opposite edges of such base. A central depending projection 44 extends longitudinally along the base 40 and is positioned above and between the inclined guide surfaces 20f and 21 f for engaging the shaft 16 of the arrow A and retaining it on such surfaces when it is being fired or moved therealong by the bow string B.

As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 there are parallel longitudinally extending recesses 46 and 47 formed between the central projection 44 and the depending sides 42 and 43 which provide an unobstructed passageway for the upper feathers 18 on the arrow A as it is moved along the surfaces 20f and 21f. Similarly, the lower feather passes through the slot or central opening 15 between the gates 20 and 21 and in the main frame F.

As shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings, the rear end of the arrow shaft 16 is provided with a pair of parallel faces 16a and 16b which are received in a suitable guide slot which will be described in detail hereinafter to orient the arrow A with two of the feathers aligned in the openings 46 and 47 and with the third feather disposed in the opening 15 as is best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings.

It will be appreciated with the arrow shaft 16 positioned in the main frame F, such shaft will be in contact with three circumferentially spaced lines extending axially of such shaft, namely the inclined surfaces 20f and 21f as well as the longitudinally extending projection 44 and that such surfaces cooperate to align and guide the arrow A as it is discharged from the cross-bow C.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the clip K which contains a plurality of arrows A comprises a case having laterally spaced apart sides 50 and 51 joined together at the forward end by a transverse member 52 'and at the rear end by transverse member 53 with an upwardly and forwardly inclined bottom 54. A vertically disposed groove 55 is provided in the rear end portion 52 for receiving the parallel faces 16a and 16b on arrow shaft 16 and to serve as a guide for orienting such arrows with the upper feathers 18 aligned with the spaces 46 and 47 and the lower feather 18 aligned with the central opening 15.

As shown, the spaced apart walls 50 and 51 provide a central recess for receiving the arrow shafts 16. Recesses 61 and 62 are provided near the rear of the walls 50 and 51, respectively, to accommodate the feathers 18 on the arrow shaft 16 so as to enable such arrows to be stored in the clip K without the feathers being bent or crushed and to also facilitate movement of the arrows vertically upwardly as they are discharged from the clip K as will be described hereinafter. Also, recesses 64 and 65 are provided near the forward end of the walls 50 and 51, respectively, to provide space for the arrow heads 17. As best seen in FIG. 9 of the drawings, a suitable spring 66 is secured to the bottom 54 for urging the arrows A vertically upwardly so as to move them from the clip K into the main frame F as will be described hereinafter.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, latches 57 and 58 are provided in centrally disposed recesses 67 and 68 in the sides 50 and 51 for releasably securing the clip K to the main frame F. The latches 57 and 58 are pivotally mounted on pins 57a and 58a, respectively, and each has a laterally projecting shoulder or tooth 57b and 58b, respectively, formed at the upper end thereof. Such upper ends are urged laterally into recesses 57c and 58c, respectively. Also, in the preferred form of the present invention, spring loaded detents 70 and 71 are provided in suitable openings in the main frame for locking the upper end of the latches 57 and 58 in the recesses 57c and 58c. Such spring loaded detents 70 and 71 are biased downwardly so as to engage the upwardly and outwardly inclined surfaces 57e and 588, respectively.

Laterally extending release plungers 73 and 74 are provided in suitable openings 75 and 76, respectively, in the main frame F adjacent the recesses 57c and 58c, respectively. Such plungers 72 and 73 are positioned so as to engage the flanges 57b and 58b and urge them laterally inwardly to release the latches from the main frame F and thereby release the clip K from such main frame.

As shown in FIG. 12 of the drawings, when the plungers 72 and 73 are moved inwardly as indicated by the arrows 78, the teeth 57b and 58b are moved out of the recesses 57c and 580 so the clip K may be disconnected from the main frame F.

In the preferred form of the present invention, the firing mechanism comprises a trigger support which is designated generally 70 in FIG. 13 of the drawings. Such support includes a pair of laterally spaced apart plates 71 and 72 which may be joined together adjacent their front ends by means of a spacer block 73 and spaced apart at their rear ends by a sleeve 75 mounted on a pin 76. A bow string latch 77 is positioned between the plates 71 and 72 and is pivotally mounted on a pin 77a extending through suitable openings in the plates 71 and 72.

The bow string latch 77, which is best seen in FIGS. and 16 of the drawings, comprises a body having a pair of laterally spaced upstanding projections 81 and 82 with a groove 83 therebetween for receiving a bolt or cylindrical firing block 85 which is mounted on the bow string E.

Such bolt or firing block 85 comprises a cylindrical member having an opening 86 adjacent its rear end for receiving the bow string E which extends therethrough. When the bow is in a cocked position with the bow string extending behind the upright projections 81 and 82, the bolt 85 is disposed in the groove 83. The forward end of the firing block 85 engages the rear end of the arrow shaft 16 and drives such shaft forward to fire it when the string E is released by pivoting the firing block 77 forwardly as will be described in detail herein after.

The bottom of the bow string latch 77 is provided with a concave cam surface 90 which is of substantially the same radius as the cylindrically shaped cam surface 91 on the cylindrical trigger support 92. A return spring 94 connects the bottom of the bow string latch body 77 with a pin or rod 95 that is carried in the side plates 71 and 72 and extends transversely therebetween.

The trigger is best seen in FIGS. 15 and 16 of the drawings. Such trigger 100 is connected to the cylindrical trigger support 92 by suitable means or may be formed integrally therewith, as desired. Such cylindrical trigger support 92 is rotatably mounted on a transversely extending pin or rod 104 that is also mounted in suitable openings in the side plates 71 and 72. The front portion of the cylindrical trigger support is provided with a transversely extending groove designated generally 105 that has a base 106 and a pair of parallel sides 107 and 108. A transversely extending limit pin 110 is mounted in the plates 71 and 72 and is positioned in the groove 105 between the sides 107 and 108 so as to limit the arc of rotation of the cylindrical trigger support 92.

The cylindrical trigger support 92 is relieved on the opposite side of the mounting pin 100 from the groove 105. Such cylinder is cutaway or relieved so as to permit the bow string latch 77 to pivot forward and release the bow string E when the trigger support cylinder 92 is rotated in the direction of arrow 78 from the position shown in FIG. 15 to the position shown in FIG. 16 of the drawings.

In the preferred form of the present invention the firing mechanism 70 includes a trigger safety latch 112 which is connected to a shaft 113 carried in the side plates 71 and 72. Such safety latch includes a half cylinder 115 which is rotatably mounted between the side plates 71 and 72 on the shaft 113. Such half cylinder 115 has a convex curved surface 1 16 which terminates in a plane surface 117. Such safety locks the trigger support cylinder 92 against rotation in the direction of arrow 78 as long as the convex curved surface 116 engages the plane surface 93 on the back of the trigger support cylinder 92. As the shaft 113 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 95 the half cylinder 115 turns from the position shown in FIG. 15 to the position shown in FIG. 16, and the curved surface 116 on the half cylinder safety block 115 is moved out of contact with the plane surface 93 on the back of the trigger support cylinder 92, thereby permitting such trigger to be rotated rearwardly as indicated by the arrow 79. Such movement of the trigger rotates the trigger support cylinder in the direction of arrow 78 and the convex cam 91 is moved out of engagement with the concave cam 90 on the base of the bow string release block 77, freeing such block to rotate or pivot forwardly as shown in FIG. 16 to thereby release the bow string B so as to fire the arrow A from the cross-bow C.

FIG. 17 shows the shoulder rest or stock portion 8 of the cross-bow C in extended position for firing. The shoulder support comprises a pair of laterally spaced arms 120 and 121 which are pivotally mounted at the rear of the main frame F by means of a pin 122 extending transversely thereof. The outer ends of such arms are connected together by means of a pin 124 on which a pad or shoulder rest 126 is pivotally hinged. Such pad 126 may be provided with a recess 128 in the front side thereof for receiving the ends of the arms 120 and 121 when folded into the collapsed position as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings.

A stop surface 130 is normally provided on the ends of the arms 120 and 121 adjacent the main frame F. Such stop surface 130 engages an adjusting screw 131 provided in the main frame F for adjusting the angle of the arms 120 and 121 relative to such main frame when the arms are in an extended position.

An adjustable peep sight 140 is also normally provided on the cross-bow C. Such peep sight 140 preferably includes a base portion 132 which is mounted on a pivot pin 134, and includes a pair of upstanding arms 136 and 137 which are spaced laterally apart and connected together at their lower ends by the block 132 and their upper ends by transverse member 138. A longitudinally extending slot 139 is thus formed between the upstanding arms 136 and 137 for receiving a movable sight member 140 which includes a hollow bolt 144 having an aperture or passage 145 extending therethrough. Such hollow bolt is threadedly connected to a suitable threaded disc 147. The peep sight 140 may thus be moved upwardly or downwardly on the arms 137 and 137 by loosening the threaded disc 147 for movement and tightening such disc on the threaded hollow bolt 145 when the peep sight is positioned at the desired elevation thereon.

Lock screws 149 may be mounted in the main frame F on opposite sides of a recess 150 so as to engage the base block 132 and lock it in a desired position. A spring 160 is connected to the pivotally mounted base block 132 for swinging the arms 136 and 137 into a vertically upright position as shown in FIG. 17. Such lock screws 149 may then be tightened to hold the peep sight in its erect position for firing. When it is desired to retract the peep sight into the recess 150, the lock screws 149 may be loosened and the peep sight manually rotated forward in the direction indicated by the arrow 162 so as to place the peep sight in the recess 150 and thereafter the lock screws 149 may again be tightened to lock the peep sight in its retracted position in the recess 150.

The bow pieces B normally pivotally mounted near the forward end of the main frame F to permit such bow pieces to be pivoted from the retracted position as shown in FIG. 3 of the drawing outwardly into the extended position shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings for firmg.

Such bow pieces B are attached to mounting blocks 160 which are pivotally connected by pivot pins 162 to pivot blocks 163 that are secured near the forward end of the main frame F by screws (not shown) or other suitable connecting means. Spring loaded latching pins 165 are carried on the bow blocks 160 and are adapted to be inserted into the openings 167 in the mounting blocks 163 when aligned therewith.

As shown in detail in FIG. 8 of the drawings the bow block 160 is provided with a pair of laterally projecting plates 160a and 16% which are spaced apart and which have a V-shaped opening 168 formed therebetween. Such V-shaped opening comprises facing tapered or inclined surfaces 170 and 171 provided on opposite sides of a base 173 disposed at the bottom of the V- shaped opening. Openings 175 and 176 are provided through the plates 160a and 160k respectively, for receiving the latching pins 180 and 181. Each of such pins is connected by means of arms 180a and 180k that link the outer ends of the pins to a cross member 183,

by pivot pins 182 and 183. Pivot pins 184 and 185 connect the pins 180 and 181 to the linking arms 180a and 180b, and similarly pivot pins 186 and 187 connect such linking arms 180a and 180b to the central arm 183. Springs 188 urge the central connecting member 183 laterally outwardly which in turn urges the pins 180 and 181 inwardly into the V-shaped opening in the bow block 160.

The main block 163 is provided with converging tapered or inclined surfaces 190 and 191 which form a wedge-like portion that is adapted to be received in the V-shaped opening in the bow block 160. An opening 192 is provided in the wedge-shaped portion of the connecting block 163 and extends through to the surfaces 190 and 191 and is provided for receiving the ends of the latching members or pins 180 and 181 that are slidably mounted in the laterally spaced openings and 176 on opposite sides of the V-shaped opening.

By urging the lateral cross member or link 183 laterally inwardly and compressing springs 188, the ends and 181 will be withdrawn from the V-shaped opening to permit the bow block 160 to be pivoted from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position shown in FIG. 2 and thereafter, upon releasing the cross member 183, the springs 188 will force the pins 180 and 181 into the opening 192.

If desired the bow blocks 160 may be swung in position and the wedge shaped surfaces and 191 will engage the pins 180 and 181, respectively, to force them laterally apart and permit the bow block 160 to be pivoted over the connecting block or mounting block 163 and when such pins 180 and 181 are aligned with the openings 195 the pins will move laterally into such opening and lock or latch the ends of the bow in the extended position such as is shown in FIG. 2.

In order to release the latching members 180 and 181 and permit the bow block to be swung back to the retracted position such as shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings, the cross member 183 is manually depressed causing the linking arms 180a and l80b to withdraw such pins 180 and 181 from the openings 195 in the mounting block 163.

It will be appreciated that the quick connect type of latching mechanism provided with the pins 180 and 181 acting against the inclined surfaces 190 and 191 will facilitate stringing the bows or how pieces B as it will be necessary to only momentarily position the pins 180 and 181 opposite the holes 195 to enable the spring loaded pins 180 and 181 to be moved laterally into such openings 195 to thereby lock the bows in their open or extended position suitable for firing.

A stirrup 200 is provided at the forward end of the main frame F to facilitate carrying the cross bow C and also to facilitate loading or cocking the bow as well as stringing the bow string E.

For handling, stirrup 200 is mounted on a pivot pin 201 which extends transversely of the front end of the main frame F and with the bow pieces B folded back or collapsed in the position shown in FIG. 3. The bow may be carried by simply manually gripping thecross piece of the stirrup 200.

When it is desired to swing the bow pieces 8 into the extended position the archer may place one foot in the stirrup 200 and hold the front end of the bow to facilitate forcing the bow pieces 13 in position in their respective bow hinge latch mechanisms to thereby string the bow B. it will be appreciated that the ends of the bow strings E will be affixed to the opposite ends of the bow pieces B prior to the pivotally mounted bow piece hinges being swung into the open or extended position to draw such bow strings taut.

Also, in cocking the bow of the present invention an archer may place one foot in the stirrup 200 at the front end of the main frame and thereby free both hands for use in drawing the bow string E taut and latching it in the trigger mechanism for firing.

In using the automatic cross-bow of the present invention it will be appreciated that the bow pieces B may be secured in suitable openings 1600 in the bow blocks 160 and the bow string E secured to the opposite ends of such bow pieces. Thereafter, the bow pieces may be pivoted from the retracted position shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings to the extended position shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings to thereby draw the bow string E taut and place the bow pieces in. the position for firing of a cross-bow C. It being appreciated that when the bow blocks 160 have been moved to the extended position the locking pins 180 and 181 carried therein will be lodged in the opening 195 in the bow mounting block 163 to thereby securely lock such bow pieces in their extended position.

With the arrow case or container K latched in position in the main frame F and with the arrows A stored in such case or container K in position for firing, the cross-bow is ready for loading and cocking. When the bow string E is drawn back and latched in the firing mechanism T, the bow string E engages the upstanding pins 20e and 21e to spread apart the gates or jaws 20 and 21 to thereby permit the uppermost arrow 16 in the case K to be urged upwardly by the spring 60 until such arrow engages the central longitudinally extending member 44 that is disposed above the central opening through which such arrow passes. When the bow string E is set against trigger latch or trigger block 77, the jaws 20 and 21 will be closed by means of the springs 20g and 21g and the upper inclined surfaces will thereafter support the arrow shaft 16 and the firing chamber in position for firing. After the safety release 112 has been moved to position for firing and the trigget 100 actuated to fire the arrow, the cross-bow is then ready for reloading of the next arrow in the storage case K. When the bow string E is again pulled back to cock the bow and latched on the trigger block 77, the gates 20 and 21 will again be opened to permit the next uppermost arrow 16 to be moved upwardly through the opening 15 in the main frame F and to position in the firing chamber for firing. Thereafter, firing may be repeated until the supply of arrows in the case K has been exhausted.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape, and materials as well as in the details of the illustrated construction may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An automatic loading cross bow comprising:

a. a main frame;

b. bow means mounted on said main frame for firing arrows therefrom along a firing axis;

c. first means in said main frame for aligning arrows in position on said main frame for firing;

d. clip means connected to said main frame for storing a plurality of arrows thereon;

e. discharging means in said clip means for discharging arrows therefrom;

f. feeding means in said main frame for feeding arrows one at a time from said clip means into said positioning means for aligning arrows for firing; and

g. said first means including a pair of laterally spaced jaws slidably mounted on said main frame with a second means for opening said jaws when the cross bow is cocked to permit an arrow to be moved from storage in said clip means into firing position, in which said arrow is supported by said spaced jaws.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein:

said main frame has a central opening therein; and

said second means for opening said jaws includes a plurality of diagonally disposed slots in each of said jaws, said diagonally disposed slots extending rearwardly and outwardly from said central opening in said main frame, guide pins secured to said main frame and extending into each of said diagonal slots, and a third means in each of said slots for resiliently connecting said pins to said jaws. 

1. An automatic loading cross bow comprising: a. a main frame; b. bow means mounted on said main frame for firing arrows therefrom along a firing axis; c. first means in said main frame for aligning arrows in position on said main frame for firing; d. clip means connected to said main frame for storing a plurality of arrows thereon; e. discharging means in said clip means for discharging arrows therefrom; f. feeding means in said main frame for feeding arrows one at a time from said clip means into said positioning means for aligning arrows for firing; and g. said first means including a pair of laterally spaced jaws slidably mounted on said main frame with a second means for opening said jaws when the cross bow is cocked to permit an arrow to be moved from storage in said clip means into firing position, in which said arrow is supported by said spaced jaws.
 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein: said main frame has a central opening therein; and said second means for opening said jaws includes a plurality of diagonally disposed slots in each of said jaws, said diagonally disposed slots extending rearwardly and outwardly from said central opening in said main frame, guide pins secured to said main frame and extending into each of said diagonal slots, and a third means in each of said slots for resiliently connecting said pins to said jaws. 